I would like to submit some of my short stories to publishers (rest assured, my stories are spelled correctly…if only there was a spell check here) listed in the Short Fiction 2001 Market book I have, but I’ve run into a major stumbling block: manuscript cover letters.
Most publishers require their inclusion with one’s manuscript, and the book only has one example of one. This example is useless to me, since it’s an example of an already established writer submitting her work, and bears little resemblance to their vague description of one. I’ve never published fiction before (besides in school lit. magazines) just a bit of poetry which doesn’t require such a cover letter.
All my web searches have been dead-ended, since I can’t find a single site with useful information. Can anyone direct me to where to look for the format and required information for writing one? If I have to, I’ll buy a book on it, but I’d rather not, since I’m mostly just looking for a few solid examples of them.
First, personalize the greeting.
“Hello Mr. Brown” is more effective than “Editor:” in most cases. Oh–and double check the editor’s name, especially if the publication has changed staff recently. Screwing that up can cost you big time.
Keep it brief. Remember that there are thousands of others who are submitting cover letters of their own. Editors just don’t have time to read a synopsis. A few sentences about your story, and a couple about yourself will normally suffice.
Be honest. There’s no need to hire a brass-band to announce the fact that you’re unpublished, but don’t lie or tapdance around the truth. It’s often best to mention that fact in the same sentence where you write “and I am willing to take whatever constructive criticism you have to offer.”
Don’t make yourself lie. Read the publication. More than one issue. That way, when you write a few lines praising the great job they’ve been doing, you can cite a specific article, story, or letter which ties in with your own story.
Good luck, friend–and keep the faith. You have an interesting and personable style of writing here on the boards, so I’ve no doubt whatsoever that you will eventually be published.
David
All the advice I’ve heard is that cover letters should be kept short and to the point. This site has some interesting suggestions on how not to write one… but, seriously, you don’t want to go much beyond “Please find enclosed the manuscript of my story XYZ, for your consideration”, or some such like that.
Of course, I’ve never had anything published, so you can probably ignore my advice… Anyway. Good luck.